Explore the vibrant collection of stories, life-changing leadership camp moments, and smiles shared across Karen's beautiful journey.
At leadership camp, Karen inspired an unforgettable culture of appreciation through Warm Fuzzies—heartfelt, handwritten notes of encouragement passed to lift spirits. Consider each memory submitted here as an ongoing public Warm Fuzzy, celebrating a spark she left in your life.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
My final leadership camp! Some of my best memories from high school come from leadership camp. I am so thankful for the skills that this camp has taught me. At the heart of it all was always Ms. Kettle. Her energy and warm smile made every camper feel welcomed. Thank you so much for these amazing memories!!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
One of the things I always appreciated about camp was that we rarely ever used phones or took photos because we were living in the moment. This was the only one I could find! Ms. Kettle, you are the reason I became a teacher and I try to live up to the example you set every day with my own students. I still have the juggle equipment you gave me almost a decade ago. I didn’t ask for it but you offered it because you knew I’d appreciate the gift - that’s the kind of person you are. I’m planning on giving it to a student of mine who is learning to juggle right now to keep the spirit of kindness alive. Thanks for everything!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
From our dinner at the hard rock café after a day at the student leadership conference. :) Thank you for everything you’ve done for us Ms. Kettle, and the time and effort you put into planning, camp and us. Camp has meant to much to so many people, myself included. The skills I developed as part of camp committee have given me so many opportunities in my adult life. You have touched so many people through your involvement with the leadership camp program. Here’s a fun memory for you of camp 2018! Keep rocking the boat (but don’t tip it over!)
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
My first leadership camp with you. You made me dress up as Hagrid. Hahaha. Thank you for taking the time to get me involved in leadership camp. You saw potential in me that I didn't even know I had. And for that, I will be forever grateful. Since I've been back to Port, I have always been excited for the time we spend together at camp, and recently being a part of the committee. There are so many memories that will truly be in my heart forever. Thank you for everything that you do for the students and staff at Port Perry High School.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Thank you for bringing STYLE to camp with the best camp fashion sense! You always manage to find a fun hat for any occasion! 😄
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
One of many campfires with a woman who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to getting teenagers to sing about getting eaten by a boa constrictor or marching like a penguin! 🐧 ❤️🐍
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
thank you ms kettle for bringing such joy to PPHS and truly changing our lives. My favourite memories from high school all come back to you and everything you’ve done for us. ❤️❤️❤️ you are an absolute inspiration for how every human being on this planet should live their lives and be to others. you are simply the best.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Leadership camp is by far my favourite memory of high school and you have always been the at the heart of it. Thank you for leading by example and inspiring me as well as hundreds of others. I wish I had my camera to pull up some photos. I will always be grateful for you inviting me back to camp the year after I graduated to help take photos alongside you and get that magic of camp one last time.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Leadership Camp and Camp Committee were easily the best parts of high school for me. Mrs. Kettle...you took an annoying grade 9 boy in your science class and found a way to put his energy and passion into something positive and so special. I will forever be grateful for everything you did for me and taught me and for being the one who brought leadership camp to not only me but all of PPHS.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Camp 2026
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Camp 2013
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
One of the rare Karen photos snapped at camp!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Camp 2007
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Monkeying around at camp! 😄:zany_face:
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Karen, thank you for allowing me to create so many wonderful memories of my days at PPHS. From Robin’s delicious fudge, to being a death eater and scaring the life out of the kids on the scavenger hunt as well as having my own kids attend. Thanks for the memories.❤️
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
One word to describe camp? FUN-DERFUL!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Ms Kettle, Thank you for introducing me to the wonderful world of leadership camp! My favourite part of every school year was getting to attend and run the camp that we had been putting our heart and soul into all year round. You taught me so much about what it means to be a leader, while also making it fun and positive! The skills I have learned from you and at camp continue to impact me daily and I will forever be grateful. Thank you for everything you’ve done!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Karen, you may not remember me but my husband Caomhan and I were the directors at YLCC Pigeon Lake for a number of years (over ten years ago!) when you brought your leaders to us. I have thought about you many times over the years because I have always admired your passion for your students, but also for everyone you interacted with. You were the true example of what a great leader is, and everyone who meets you adores you. You showed compassion, empathy, and JOY (!!! So much!!) at every camp we had the pleasure of hosting for you, and we consistently used you as a prime example to our staff of what it means to use your powers for good in the world! We have only ever spent a few days together, cumulatively, but your impact has continued in my every day life. Thank you for being so authentically you.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Ms. Kettle, Thank you for everything you taught me. You gave me space in leadership committee that helped me grow exponentially and find myself as a person! Thank you for all the laughs, encouragement, and support you gave to all of us. I can genuinely say that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you or leadership camp. I appreciate your role in my life so much, and I am forever grateful for you! Sending so much love your way! Maddy Massey
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
This was when Covid hit in 2020 and leadership camp was cancelled. You helped me gather photos from 2017-2019 to put into a video to help celebrate camp committees help for the season!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Ms Kettle, thanks for showing me how leaders can come in many different forms. Leadership camp was always a blast and there were so many fun and crazy times that we had, but I really credit you for how you gave students from every part of PPHS a chance to grow and shine. The way you would notice an overlooked or quieter kid and encourage them to be a part of camp is something that still sticks with me. I also still can't believe how much work you put in to make camp happen. There's no way any of us were going to type up and print out a different binder for each activity but there you were, making sure everyone was set up for success. Thank you for being so generous with your time and energy. I can't say that I'm still sharp on my grade 9 science, but I can still remember the things you taught me about how good it can feel to include others and knowing when to let someone else take the lead. I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced Leadership Camp at PPHS, and it’s so special to see how many students you impacted well after my time there. Thank you for everything!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
This is Camp 2007 at YLCC. I can close my eyes and remember every square inch of this place because of you. I couldn’t afford to go and you took me anyway. I was a terrible science student but you still saw something in me worth investing so much of your spare time into. I love that you’re wearing a Prometheus sign in this old video, because I imagine the countless kids you sparked tiny fires in that helped them realize who they are capable of being. You did all of that while leading with compassion, kindness and inclusivity. I’m not who I am today without you Karen, and you will always be an example in my mind and heart of the very best that people are capable of being. You are very dear to me and always will be :)
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Being thanked by Laney and Warner, 2018 camp heads.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
This picture represents you perfectly, the joy on your face, looking out at all these high school kids enjoying a campfire.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Still keep this close after 19 years
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Karen Sending hugs and good vibes!!! Thought a Campfire might cheer you! Take good care, Dave "Nefarious Neary"
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Karen you have made a difference in so many students lives. Leadership camp has made PPHS a school of great leaders and you have inspired so many for many years to come! You have been an inspiration to me and your fight and determination will always encourage me to never give up. Hugs and warm fuzzies!! Dianne C
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Know the hundreds and thousands of these beautiful people (now/soon) out in the world doing hundreds of thousands of beautiful things have been positively and profoundly impacted by you. Your impact on all of us; students, teachers and community, is immense. We love you Karen.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
I think this was from Leadership Camp 1998 with our Eastdale Eagles!!! ♥️♥️♥️
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Camp Committee retreat at YLCC Pigeon Lake (Fall 2011)
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Superhero Camp 2011!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
PPHS Camp Committee 2017!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
To know you is truly to love you. You have the gift of making people feel seen — not for who they think they should be, but for exactly who they are. In a world that constantly asks people to tone themselves down, you make people feel safe enough to take up space. You have a way of finding the “weird” parts of people — the tender, quirky, imperfect, beautifully human parts — and instead of making them feel like something to hide, you turn them into something magical. You make people feel like their differences are worth celebrating. Thank you for being the kind of person who empowers everyone around you. You make people believe they are capable, important, and worthy simply because of the way you love them and show up for them. That kind of impact is so rare. I hope you know how extraordinary you are. The way you move through this world changes people for the better.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Karen! So many memories, so many themes, so many workshops and oh so much fun and laughter! The memories that you curated, the thousands of photos you took will stay with all of us that attended camp throughout the years! You created and supported so many fabulous students that have gone on to do great things and lead in their chosen professions and communities. Thank you for always including me in this upbeat annual event! Robin Vavoulis
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Mrs Kettle, I don’t think I realized it until now, but going to leadership camp and being on the committee with you made an impact on my life that I will never forget. You live and breathe the idea that everyone belongs and has a place. I have followed that same ideology in my own volunteer work with teens, meeting them where they are at in life. I hope my own two boys have a teacher and mentor just like you and go to leadership camp and be who they are. Oh, the places you’ll go!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Our girls are who they are as educators because of the powerful influence you’ve had on their lives, your passion for outdoor education, your curiosity for science, and the way you model authentic leadership. You didn’t just teach content, you showed them how to explore, to question, to lead with confidence, and to care deeply about the world around them. The experiences you created, the encouragement you gave, and the example you set helped shape not only their careers, but the kind of educators and people they’ve become. We’re truly grateful for the lasting impact you’ve had. It continues to ripple forward in the way they now inspire others. Brian & Diane Jones
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
I was lucky to attend leadership camp before I even knew the magic of it. And the next year even luckier to be selected by you for camp committee! Mostly pictured in this pic I was able to dig up. Mrs. Kettle, what a selfless commitment you made running leadership camp year after year. One weekend but with a life lasting impact on all those who were a part of it. It was unapologetic, authentic, empowering, collaborative, empathetic, and transformative. All things I carry with me now in my own adulthood. It helped shaped so many young people, who were just starting to find their way as young adults. It’s hard to measure that impact, but I hope this kudo can begin to scratch the surface. I beyond appreciate and cherish my memories at camp, and my after school hours with my committee, who looked to your mentorship to help bring camp to life for others. Because without you, it truly wouldn’t have happened.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Dear Mrs. Kettle, You are truly one of a kind! You have this amazing gift of making everyone around you not only feel seen, but valued. You empower those around you and help them to grow! Being apart of leadership camp was the most important part of my high school experience and has helped shaped me into the person I am today! Your passion, committent, and tremendous contribution to leadership camp at PPHS will never be forgotten! Thank you 💗
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Leadership Camp 2013 :)
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Ms. Kettle, I think you are a shining example of everything someone working in an educational environment should be. You are so endlessly supportive of every member of the team, always encouraging us to be creative and passionate; which was easy to do with you leading by example. My years spent in camp both as a camper and counsellor are still some of my most cherished memories to this day - and you are the main reason it is such a memorable experience. I hope you realize just how much you mean to us all. I think I speak for everyone when I say you were essential in moulding not only our leadership skills, but self confidence! You showed us that all we need to be is ourselves, and that is the best version we can be. Thank you so much for everything, I will never forget the lessons you have taught me. Love you Ms. Kettle!!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Karen: I just had the privledge of spending my first weekend at leadership camp! What a great experience you have created for so many of us to enjoy. Thank you for your vision, passion, and love for youth.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
You are a teacher wherever you go. Inside the biology classroom? A science teacher. Hiking in the forest? Teacher but Lorax themed. At camp in a feather boa? A community teacher. In the meetings to plan said camp? A very patient organization teacher. Post retirement? Still-in-the-room-where-it-happens-teacher. Any room I’ve personally been in as a student or young adult who might be little lost but following the vibe? Life teacher. You are who you are and this community, myself included could not be more grateful for you commitment to our journeys. Xoxo Lauren (Susan) Jones
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Karen! Thank you for teaching me the importance of quiet leadership - that us introverts are just as important in the leadership stew as everyone else! Your mentorship means the absolute world to me. Thank you for everything!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Ms. Kettle, Attending leadership camp and being on camp committee has definitely been the highlight of highschool for me. I often reflect back on many fond memories of camp and cannot be more grateful to you for all your hardwork and dedication on making it happen year after year. Amanda Beck (Photo from Camp 2007)
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Ms. Kettle, your impact reaches far beyond the science classroom and leadership camp. You have dedicated so much of your life to uplifting and supporting others, especially teens, and your kindness, compassion, and generosity have left a lasting mark on the thousands of people who have walked beside you. I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from you as a science teacher, worked alongside you on the leadership camp committee, and benefited from your mentorship as an EL lead. Your endless creativity, brilliance, and enthusiasm always made everything we did more engaging, meaningful, and genuinely fun. Even in retirement, your commitment to students and leadership camp continues to inspire all of us. Thank you for the countless hours, warm smiles, thoughtful guidance, and positive energy you so freely gave to others. You truly make people and places better simply by being part of them. Sending you so much love and gratitude. Xoxo Jennette Walton
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Karen, It is very difficult to put into words the effect you have had on so many people's lives through your teaching and leadership camp. You have made it an unforgettable experience for both students and staff that I personally, love to attend every year! I have spoken to countless students who say it is their favourite memory of high school and that it has made a huge impact on their lives! You are simply an amazing person and I want to thank you for all you have done for others!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Mrs. Kettle, You have always been one of those rare people who changes lives without even realizing how deeply you’ve done it. My admiration for you started long before we ever met. Growing up, I constantly heard Ally talk about his favourite teacher, how brilliant, caring, motivated, and genuinely interesting you were. Ryan loved you as a camp leader too, so your name was legendary in our house long before I really knew why. I’m pretty sure the first time I met you was at a parent-teacher night when I was in grade 6, because Ally wanted my parents and I to meet the person who had such a huge impact on him. Not long after that, I got an email from you with the subject line “Return of the Nagging Camp Lady,” which somehow perfectly captured your energy: passionate, funny, determined, and impossible not to love. You welcomed me into leadership camp before I was even in high school yet, and that experience shaped me more than you probably know. What made you so special wasn’t just teaching science or running camp it was the way you made people believe in themselves. You trusted students with real responsibility, helped people step into leadership, and created spaces where everyone felt capable, included, and important. I honestly don’t think you fully know the impact you had on so many people. You helped shape generations of leaders and caring humans through workshops, camp, conversations, and all the little moments in between. You have absolutely been one of the biggest reasons I became an educator myself. I still try every day to have even half the superpowers you have when it comes to making people feel warm and fuzzy. You have made such a lasting difference in so many lives, including mine, Ally’s, and Ryan’s. I just wanted you to know how deeply appreciated and loved you are. Thinking of you constantly and sending you so much love.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Mrs. Kettle, there is no person who is more influential than you. My high school career was made incredible, memorable, and impactful through the love and passion you have for education and making the world a little bit more sparkly. Thank you for everything you taught me in such formative years. I truly believe that going to leadership camp and participating in the adventures you crafted, helped shape me into the woman, mother, friend and wife that I am today. Thank you for being a safe and reliable person for so many young people. You truly are a powerhouse of a woman and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from you for so many years. Cheers to an incredible career and a life full of lasting and meaningful impact. Loads of love to you and Mr. Moon ❤️ Shelby Wynia (Stevenson)
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Mrs. Kettle, Learning from you through camp committee and being immersed with all the brilliant and creative minds you brought together at Leadership Camp was one of the most valuable parts of my high school experience. You created something truly special. You gave us a place to grow and be ourselves. The lessons from camp have stayed with me to this day, and I know I’m not alone in saying that. You changed a lot of lives in a lot of wonderful ways, including mine. You made me a better person. You are a legend Mrs. Kettle. P.S. I apologize for the dark humor and general chaos I may have contributed to over the years. I promise I have matured... a bit...
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
I opened up camp photos that I haven’t touched for ages, and found myself with a big grin as I went through. Each one contains a friend or a fun moment - and as I think back to high school I remember being so excited each week for committee meetings. You’ve fostered an amazing community with a culture of acceptance, optimism, and fun that I feel lucky to be a part of. If I remember the song in the photo right... If I were not on camp committee who knows what I would be :slight_smile:
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Hi Karen!!! Because I know you LOVE warm fuzzies I thought that this one might put a smile on your face! As I look ahead to retirement in the next couple of years I just love that I still have this from you - circa 1998! - encouraging me and supporting me as I started my journey in education. Leadership is about people and from those formative years you helped ensure that kids were always my true north. Thank-you for modelling how to be “in it” with our students, how to leverage their brilliance for co-creating the wildest of visions, how to give space for innovation and dreaming, to stay true to who we are regardless of our “business card,” and to always always... smile and give thanks. From the first time I was blessed to hear your uniquely-you chuckle, you were a heartprint on my journey. And wow did we have some fun together along the way... including rippling out Kagan to colleagues and spreading camp spirit to PHS, AHS, and beyond. I love how a beautiful full circle brought us back together at PPHS this year. Thank-you for your friendship, your genius brain, your hugs, your laugh, and modelling service in leadership. And yes, I still have every camp guide and every warm fuzzy! Know without question that your influence is a legacy we all carry. Thinking of you and love you so much, xoxo Kim
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Just wanted to send a reminder of the incredible impact you’ve had on my life. I always think back to what you said about leadership camp—that it’s often for the people who don't even know they need it yet. Your intuition changed my entire teaching journey. Camp made me a better educator, and your influence is felt in my classroom every single day. Sending you endless positive thoughts.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Mrs. Kettle, Thank you for seeing potential in me that I didn’t see myself. You nominated me for camp in grade 9 and set me on the right path. Camp committee for the next 3 years, OSLC, and training, shaped me into the nurse, mother, and woman I am today. I lead with empathy and understanding. I see learning opportunities instead of failures. I see value in differing point of views. You planted the seed and were a constant supporter and mentor throughout my journey at PPHS. I am forever grateful I was in your grade 9 homeroom.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Harry Potter Leadership Camp 2012! Karen, the opportunities you crafted were truly the epicentre of my high school experience. I can trace so many of my biggest accomplishments and greatest memories back to what I learnt in those weeks in May. I worked at YLCC because of you, I became a DDSB science teacher because of you, and became an “outdoor person” because of you. We facilitated professional development workshops with Jennette together when I was a new teacher, an opportunity I will always be grateful for. I now get to open a brand new school this September and you can bet I will be facilitating every icebreaker you taught me all September long. You always could spot someone’s potential and inspire them to rise to it. I have been grateful for our friendship over the years and have opportunity for you and Greg to be part of our daughters life too. Rosie loves her dragon costume and puppets form Miss Karen. Your impact has been immeasurable.
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
In my eyes, you are the true definition of a leader. The way in which you lead continues to be an inspiration to so many, as is evident in these messages! I feel so fortunate to be one of the many people whose lives you’ve so positively impacted just by being YOU! 🌟 You have many leadership superpowers but two of my favourites are the way you inspire and empower people to be the very best version of their authentic selves and your ability to create community (that transcends space and time)! I can’t even begin to describe all the ways you supported me over the years and continue to support me. I am endless grateful for your mentorship and friendship. I am the person I am today because of your support. You are my favourite role model! I love our conversations and treasure every one of them! I have a back pocket full of your wisdom that I keep close to heart. I can’t even begin to list it all so instead I’m going to share a small selection of some key lessons you’ve taught me over the years (but know there are many, many more): * Leaders come in all forms. * You can be silly no matter your age! * There’s time for work and there’s time for fun (and there’s always time to find FUN in work). * When you don’t find a box that you fit into, you can create your own! * The importance of perseverance. * The power of kindness! * It’s funny to be punny! * There’s so much AWESOME in life when you take the time to notice it. * The gift of friendship and just how valuable it is to surround yourself with good people. Thank you for all that you do, thank you for being YOU! 😊
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Leadership camp, camp committee, and the community around both brought so much value to my time in high school and since. The way you brought together students of every type to join together in learning and experiencing true community, joy, and of course, leadership, has always been absolutely magical. Your ability to instill child-like enthusiasm, passion, and caring is something I've never encountered since, but that I and many others strive to emulate in small ways in our lives thanks to your profound influence on us. Leadership camp will always have a big place in my heart. Thank you, Mrs. Kettle, for everything!
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
This photo always puts a smile on my face. Karen, thank you for all the unforgettable moments and lifelong lessons. Like so many of the students who entered your orbit, my best memories from highschool all revolve around Leadership Camp and the amazing community that you cultivated through years of dedication and the infectious passion you shared with the world. I (unexpectedly) teach part-time now, and often think of the caring, inclusive, and motivational approach you always brought to your role as an educator and community leader. I know I'm not the only one who tries to pass on the positivity and inspiration that you gifted to so many. We're all grateful for the impact you had on our lives, and for helping us all Come Together (and occasionally Twist and Shout).
💝 Shared on May 10, 2026
Hi Karen, You have always been so gracious and wonderful in all the years we worked together. You have taught me about inclusivity, compassion, fun, hope and so much joy. Whether as a Science teacher or a Leadership camp co ordinator your enthusiasm is infectious. I loved working with you and loved catching glimpses of you as you came into the school to be with our leadership team and students. Always with a smile! Love you Karen and all you have contributed to PPHS as well as all of your other endeavors you have taken on. Hugs and Blessing always. Kerry
Whether it’s a tiny inside joke, a snapshot from camp, a handwritten note, or a lesson that helped shape who you are today, help us build Karen's legacy garden.
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